School of Horticulture FAQs

Am I eligible for a free place?

Our current external funding stipulates that free places are exclusively for Southwark residents who are unemployed or underemployed (earning a low income). This is the baseline requirement. Beyond this, we use a points-based system that prioritises applicants who are historically excluded from horticulture, including:

  • Those identifying as Black, Asian, and/or from a minoritised ethnic group and/or identifying as a person of colour

  • Members of LGBTQIA+ communities

  • Those with disabilities

  • Those who are economically disadvantaged

If you are a member of one or more of these groups, we particularly encourage you to apply, and you will be given priority access to any available free places. 
Important: These places are for individuals looking to train for a new career but who would be unable to afford the course. If you enjoy gardening as a hobby or would just like to learn more, please consider our self-funded places, weekend workshops, or volunteering opportunities instead.
Please note: We are constantly working to improve this system and partnering with new funders. Our geographic requirement may change in the future. If you are not a Southwark resident but otherwise eligible, you can still register your interest and we will reassess all submissions if/when requirements change.

How do I find out where I am on the waiting list?

We cannot provide waiting list positions because our system is not a traditional waiting list – it's a prioritisation system based on eligibility criteria. Here's how it works:

  • If you are not a member of one or more priority groups (listed in the eligibility section above), it is unlikely we will be able to accommodate you this year

  • If you are a member of one or more priority groups, we will contact all eligible applicants as soon as places become available for the next term

What you should do: Keep an eye on your emails 1-2 months before each term starts (as explained in the timeline section below).


What if I'm not eligible for a free place? Can I pay to attend?

Yes, self-funding a place on the course is an option. You can learn more about this and enrol directly here for Level 1 and here for Level 2.
Please note: If you join as a self-funded student, you will not be able to transfer to a funded place later due to our current funding restrictions. Please do not apply for both a self-funded and funded place simultaneously – those able to self-fund are not a good fit for free places

What time and day do the classes run?

Level 2 course runs part-time with flexible scheduling options:

  • 1 day per week: 9am-3:30pm (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays)

  • 2 evenings per week: Monday and Thursday evenings, 5pm-7:45pm

Level 1 course runs part-time:

  • 1 day per week: Fridays, 9am-3:30pm

When will I hear back about my application?

Response times depend on when you submit your application. Generally, we contact potential participants around 1-2 months before each term starts. Term start dates:

  • September (Level 1 and Level 2)

  • January (Level 2 only)

  • April (Level 2 only)

We're a small team with limited resources, so we appreciate your patience!

What does each term cover?

The course runs on a rolling cycle through the seasons, so what you study first depends on when you start. For detailed course content, please see:

When does each term start?

Both Level 1 and Level 2 courses run across 3 terms each year:

Level 1 course: Entry offered once per year in September only

Level 2 course: Rolling entry at the start of every term (new students join alongside continuing students)

Academic year structure:

  • Winter term: September to December

  • Spring term: January to April

  • Summer term: April to July

I have no gardening experience – can I still take part?

Absolutely! We only require an interest in gardening, a desire to enter work in the industry, and an ability to commit to the full programme length Informal hobby gardening experience (even from childhood) is helpful but not essential.

If you have no gardening experience and might not feel comfortable in a traditional learning environment, consider our Level 1 course. It requires no existing knowledge and is designed to build foundational gardening and learning skills while growing your confidence.

Can I make a referral for someone else?

Yes! We welcome referrals from community groups, healthcare providers, charities, and other organisations. Simply complete the relevant form on behalf of your client (or encourage them to complete it), and be sure to answer the final question indicating you are making a referral.

You may also be interested in referring clients to our Gardening Therapy group.

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 courses?

Both courses are open to anyone with an interest in gardening who want to build a career, regardless of formal qualifications or existing knowledge.

Level 1 course:

  • No gardening knowledge required

  • Minimal written coursework requirements

  • Ideal for building confidence and foundational skills

  • Industry-recognised qualification - can lead to work in the horticulture sector

Level 2 course:

  • No gardening knowledge required

  • More robust commitment with additional self-study outside class time

  • Written assignments and coursework requirements

  • Industry-recognised qualification – can lead to a wider range of careers in the horticulture sector

Typical pathway: Many students use Level 1 as a stepping stone to Level 2, then into employment in the sector.

My question isn't answered here – who can I ask?

For urgent questions, please contact: comms@walworthgarden.org.uk

Please note that we are a charity with a small team and may not be able to respond immediately. Your patience is appreciated!